Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island businesses are predominantly family enterprises; today marks National Family Business Day, so don't forget to shop local.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says family businesses have been hit hard by the COVID crisis and she is encouraging everyone to buy local this National Family Business Day - today, Friday 18 September.

Speaking in a Family Business Australia video marking the day, Ms Carnell says the family business sector needs to be supported as it emerges from this difficult period.

“National Family Business Day is usually a day to celebrate, but 2020 is a year like no other,” she says.

“Times are incredibly tough and so many family businesses that were viable this time last year are now facing enormous challenges after a devastating bushfire season followed by a global pandemic.

“The best way you can support family businesses is to spend locally – whether that’s at a mum-and-dad owned bricks and mortar store such as the town butcher or by shopping online via social media campaigns such as ‘Click for Vic,’ “Buy From the Bush,” “Empty Esky,” “Spend With Them” and “Stay with Them” – to name a few.

“Family businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and key contributors to our economy – accounting for up to 70 per cent of Australian businesses and employing as much as half of the workforce.

“Their survival is critical to our broader economic recovery.

“That’s why my office has produced a comprehensive COVID-19 Recovery Plan recommending a suite of reforms to help small and family businesses survive and thrive.

“The recommendations cover a broad range of areas including taxation, access to justice, industrial relations, government procurement and cutting red tape.”

Ms Carnell says her office is also excited to be working in partnership with Family Business Australia to produce a guide to succession planning.

“Succession planning is a key issue for family businesses and this guide will provide a step-by- step process to ensure the next generation are ready to take the reins when the time is right.”

You can read family business stories here and see Kate Carnell’s National Family Business Day video here.